Written by Kristine Andrea T. Cristobal
The University of Baguio (UB) once again celebrates a remarkable milestone as twelve of its Accountancy alumni earned the prestigious Certified Public Accountant (CPA) title in the May 2026 Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination (CPALE).
Demonstrating excellence beyond the national benchmark, UB recorded an overall passing rate of 48%, significantly higher than the 30.83% national passing rate. The university likewise achieved a 61.54% passing rate among fresh graduates and 33.33% among retakers, reflecting the institution’s continued commitment to academic excellence and professional competence.
Joining the roster of newly licensed professionals are Jemimah Kate Mayones Acop, CPA, Rashel Sapongot Alibat, CPA, Katherine Anne Almondia, CPA, April Joy Ballesteros Apolonio, CPA, Joanna Kaye Nicdao Barril, CPA, Shaira Mae Domingo Lebadia, CPA, Kyanna Mae Gatchalian Lecaros, CPA, Glory Ann Cruz Llamas, CPA, Micah Ruth Calingayan Pascua, CPA, Kenneth Ian Blanco Vergara, CPA, Vince Leomar Ulnagan Delos Santos, CPA, and Gwyneth Malabong, CPA.
Behind every newly earned CPA title lies a journey marked by challenges overcome, lessons learned, and aspirations realized. For many Accountancy students, the journey is marked by long nights of studying, rigorous examinations, and moments of uncertainty. The program’s demanding standards often challenge students to question their capabilities and commitment to the profession.
Like many aspiring accountants, several of UB’s newest CPAs experienced periods of self-doubt throughout their academic journey. The pressure of maintaining grades, meeting retention requirements, and navigating difficult coursework tested not only their knowledge but also taught them to remain steadfast in the face of adversity. Yet, a clear sense of purpose allowed them to push through every setback and uncertainty. Some were driven by the dream they had committed themselves to from the very beginning, while others found strength in the sacrifices made by their families and loved ones who continuously supported their aspirations.
For Jemimah Kate Mayones Acop, CPA, persistence became the defining theme of her journey. Despite encountering setbacks during her integrated review, she remained committed to the goal she had set for herself upon entering the Accountancy program. Rather than viewing failure as the end of the road, she chose to see it as an opportunity to learn, improve, and continue moving forward.
Similarly, Katherine Anne Almondia, CPA, acknowledged that self-doubt often accompanied her throughout college. There were moments when she questioned whether she should pursue another path, but her growing appreciation for the profession strengthened her resolve. Through every challenge she encountered, she developed a deeper passion for accountancy and a stronger belief in her ability to succeed.
For Kyanna Mae Gatchalian Lecaros, CPA, moments of uncertainty became part of her journey as she navigated the transition from online learning to face-to-face classes while meeting the demands of the Accountancy program. Setbacks and academic challenges tested her confidence, but instead of allowing them to define her, she used them as motivation to improve and stay focused on her goal of becoming a CPA. Looking back, she considers those difficult experiences instrumental in shaping her character and making her success even more meaningful.
For Micah Ruth Calingayan Pascua, CPA, the program’s retention policy and cutoff grades served as motivation rather than discouragement. Instead of viewing them as barriers, she treated them as benchmarks that pushed her to strive for higher academic performance and strengthen her foundation in accounting concepts. For her, these standards became valuable tools in preparing for the challenges of the CPALE and achieving her long-term goal of becoming a CPA.
For April Joy Ballesteros Apolonio, CPA, motivation came from the people who believed in her dreams. The sacrifices made by her family and supporters served as a constant reminder of why she needed to persevere. Their encouragement inspired her to keep going, even during the most demanding moments of her academic journey.
The University’s commitment to developing empowered professionals extends beyond academic instruction. Through years of rigorous training, students are equipped not only with technical competencies but also with values that become essential in their pursuit of professional success.
Integrity emerged as one of the most important values that the University’s newest CPAs carried into their board examination preparation. Both Lecaros and Pascua highlighted how UB consistently emphasized honesty, accountability, and responsibility throughout their academic journey. For Lecaros, integrity meant being honest with herself about her level of preparedness and taking ownership of her learning during the largely self-directed Integrated Review. Pascua, meanwhile, viewed integrity as a guiding principle in all academic endeavors, shaping her commitment to fairness, honesty, and ethical conduct even amid the challenges of the Accountancy program. Together, these values helped them approach the CPALE with discipline, confidence, and a strong sense of professional responsibility.
Among the lessons they carried into the review season were accountability, intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and the habit of striving for continuous improvement. The University’s learning environment encouraged students to embrace challenges, remain inquisitive, avoid complacency, and take ownership of their development. These principles ultimately helped them navigate the demanding review season and maintain focus on their goals.
Preparing for the CPALE demanded careful planning, effective time management, and a willingness to consistently improve one’s understanding of complex concepts. Some graduates balanced work responsibilities while reviewing, while others relied on structured study schedules, regular attendance in review classes, and consistent participation in pre-board examinations and assessments. Despite their different approaches, they shared a common goal of maximizing every opportunity to prepare for one of the country’s most challenging licensure examinations.
For Lecaros, motivation came from the people who believed in her capabilities, particularly her professors at the University of Baguio. Passing the Integrated Review strengthened her confidence and reinforced her belief that she was capable of achieving more than she had imagined. Throughout the review season, she maintained a consistent study routine, focused on understanding concepts, and learned from every mistake she encountered. Pascua, CPA, on the other hand, credited the University’s Integrated Review Program for helping her refine her study habits and establish a stronger foundation before the formal review season began. She complemented her preparation with disciplined time management, advance readings, consistent practice, proper rest, and prayer, which helped her remain focused throughout the review journey.
Beyond the professional title, becoming a CPA carries a deeper significance for the University’s newest passers. For many, the achievement symbolizes years of hard work, sacrifices, and faith in aspirations that once seemed distant. It represents not only personal success but also the collective efforts of family members, mentors, professors, and friends who supported them throughout their journey.
For Acop, the title serves as a reminder of the accountability and integrity expected of professionals entrusted with financial stewardship. Almondia views the license as a testament to years of effort and the sacrifices made by the people who helped her reach this milestone. Meanwhile, Apolonio sees the achievement as proof that every challenge, sleepless night, and hour of preparation was worthwhile, giving her greater confidence as she embarks on her professional career. For Lecaros, becoming a CPA represents more than a personal accomplishment. It reflects the collective efforts of her professors, family, classmates, and friends whose guidance, encouragement, and belief in her played a significant role in her success. The title serves as both a reminder of where she came from and an inspiration to uphold the values of competence, integrity, and responsibility throughout her professional career. Similarly, Pascua views the CPA title as more than a professional achievement. For her, it stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness, the power of answered prayers, and the years of sacrifices made by her family. Beyond opening doors to career opportunities, the license serves as a reminder of her commitment to give back to others, remain grounded in her values, and use her profession as a means of service.
This achievement also reflects the University’s contribution to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
By providing quality education and maintaining high academic standards, the University of Baguio empowers students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to thrive in their chosen professions. The success of its newest CPAs demonstrates how education can create opportunities for professional advancement, lifelong learning, and meaningful contributions to society.
Furthermore, as newly licensed professionals enter the workforce, they contribute to strengthening financial accountability, ethical business practices, and economic development. Their expertise will play a vital role in supporting organizations, promoting transparency, and fostering sustainable economic growth within their communities and beyond.
As the University of Baguio celebrates the success of its newest Certified Public Accountants, their journeys reflect the transformative power of education and the opportunities it creates for personal and professional growth. Their achievement not only brings pride to the University but also inspires future Accountancy students to follow a similar path with confidence, purpose, and integrity.
The University of Baguio (UB), together with the School of Business Administration and Accountancy (UB-SBAA) and the University of Baguio Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (UBJPIA), proudly congratulates its newest Certified Public Accountants and looks forward to the meaningful contributions they will make to the accounting profession and society as a whole.
